Using encyclopedias/reference books
Encyclopedias/Reference books help you build background knowledge on your research topic. Below in the left column are encyclopedias that have both general entries on African countries, as well as topic specific entries. In the right hand column are links to reliable websites that have detailed profiles about countries on the African continent.
To review the lesson on when, why, and how to use encyclopedias watch this video.
START HERE
The best place to start for getting background information on your assigned country are Encyclopedia Britannica and CIA World Factbook. It is recommended that you use these two sites to learn about your country.
- Encyclopedia Britannica This link opens in a new window
- CIA World FactbookA US government sponsored site that provides background and history on countries with an eye on political stability.
Encyclopedias/Reference books
Gale collection of African encyclopediasThese 6 Gale encyclopedias all cover different aspects of Africa and African history
- Oxford Research Encyclopedia (ORE): African HistoryThis source has great articles on SOME African countries and topic, but not all. Worth taking a look or asking the librarians to help you search.
Encyclopedia of Africa by Publication Date: 2010Available in print or online by clicking the link above.
Nations and NationalismCheck out this book for an in-depth discussion of nation formation for some of your countries.
- Gale eBooks This link opens in a new window
- Oxford Reference Online This link opens in a new window
- World History in Context (requires SFPL card) This link opens in a new window
Encyclopedia of National AnthemsPublication Date: 2015Only available in print.
Guiding questions
These guiding questions will help you get the most out of your encyclopedia articles:
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Who is mentioned in this article? Include names of key people, political parties, organizations, etc.
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When and where does this article cover? Note if this article covers a specific location and time period.
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What events, concepts or ideas are in this encyclopedia article?
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How does this encyclopedia article connect to other things you know, such as what was in your current event story?
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What do you need to know more about after reading this article and what search terms could you use to find what you need?
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Look at the bibliography and identify what other potential sources you could look for. Note the names and authors of books and articles from the bibliography or further reading.
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Summarize what you think this article is saying. You can write this as a bulleted list.
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What stood out for you in this article. What ideas does this article generate that you want to explore further?
Websites
- Nations OnlineThis site has a country profile and many useful links. You may need to use Google Translate on some of the links.
- Translators without BordersShows the language breakdown for a number of countries. Check on the map or drop down menu for your country.
Citing your sources
- Noodletools This link opens in a new window
Need more help?
If you need more help you can email:
- The Librarians, Hayley and Nicole
- Your teacher, Jenny or Bayete